Upon starting the bike, you're greeted with an all-new 398cc single-cylinder engine. While it may not possess the most evocative sound, it does have a pleasant note when revved during riding. However, at idle, it doesn't stand out and lacks the captivating sound that motorcycles like the Classic 350 or Harley X440 deliver.

Smoothness and Flexibility:

The engine's standout qualities lie in its smoothness, tractability, and flexibility. It leaves a positive first impression, effortlessly manoeuvring through city traffic with a light clutch pull. In lower gears, you can often rely solely on smoothly releasing the clutch, without requiring significant throttle input. The gear ratios have been thoughtfully chosen, maximizing the engine's tractable nature. Even at higher speeds, the bike remains vibration-free, providing a comfortable experience.

Impressive Mid-Range Performance:

To reach highway speeds, the engine excels in its mid-range. Starting from around 4000rpm, it exhibits noticeable enthusiasm, delivering an entertaining level of performance. While it may not possess the high-rpm rush found in bikes like the KTM 390, the Triumph Speed 400's powerband is more accessible, allowing you to enjoy its performance with greater ease and for a longer duration. Testing figures have confirmed that the Speed 400 offers superior in-gear acceleration compared to both the KTM 390 and the RE 650s.

Power Delivery and Smoothness:

The engine's performance shines without needing to rev it all the way to the redline. This is a particularly advantageous trait since the engine loses smoothness and becomes slightly buzzy at the touch points as it approaches the upper rev range, starting around 7,000rpm and worsening up to the 9,200rpm redline. However, for everyday riding scenarios, the engine remains relatively smooth, impressing riders with its capability.

Triumph has equipped the Speed 400 with a notable array of features. The inclusion of ride-by-wire and torque-assist clutch enhances the bike's performance and usability. Ride-by-wire technology enables traction control, while the torque-assist clutch ensures a light clutch action, adding to the rider's comfort. 

Additionally, the bike boasts all-LED lighting, with the headlight performing reasonably well. The dual-channel ABS provides gentle and effective braking in most situations, except for full-on panic braking. An immobilizer is also included for added security.

Digi-Analogue Instruments:

The Speed 400's digi-analogue instruments strike a great balance between classic aesthetics and providing essential information for a modern motorcycle. 

However, it should be noted that the small digital tachometer may pose challenges in obtaining precise readings. While the bike lacks Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable levers, these compromises are understandable considering the remarkable pricing. These areas represent more acceptable trade-offs in cost-cutting.

The Speed 400 impresses with its exceptional ride quality, allowing for the effective utilization of its performance. Despite Triumph firming up the settings for the Indian market, the bike remains on the softer side, with rear preload being the only adjustable aspect.

This setup results in a comfortable ride, absorbing the impact of uneven roads and maintaining composure throughout. Only when pushing the bike hard in corners on twisty roads or a racetrack does the softness of the suspension become noticeable, indicating that the bike is being pushed beyond its intended limits.

Comfort on Rough Roads:

The Speed 400 excels in delivering a smooth and comfortable ride on Indian roads. It manages to soften the impact of less-than-perfect road surfaces, ensuring a comfortable experience for the rider.

However, one slight complaint in this regard is that the bike occasionally threw the rider off the seat when encountering large bumps at speeds above 80 kph.

Adjusting the rear preload can help mitigate this issue by preventing excessive compression of the suspension and the subsequent release of stored energy that leads to such jolts.

Capable Handling on Track:

Although the Speed 400 is primarily designed for road use, it also showcases its capabilities on the racetrack. The handling is predictable and neutral, offering quick steering and agility without becoming twitchy or unsettling.

While it may not match the performance of dedicated sports naked like the KTM 390 on the track, it performs admirably in this environment. It's important to note that only a small fraction of Speed 400 owners would venture onto a racetrack, but the bike does not disappoint when put to the test.

Braking Performance:

The brakes on the Speed 400 perform well, offering a sufficient amount of stopping power. The initial bite is not excessively sharp, which is appropriate for a bike intended for road use rather than track performance.

However, increasing the lever effort results in quick and confident deceleration. It's worth mentioning that during an extended period of testing, the brakes exhibited increased squishiness, requiring more lever travel and effort to achieve the same braking results.